Definition
- Unintended consequences
- Unintended consequences are effects of a policy that its makers did not plan, as people respond in unexpected ways that undermine the policy's intent.
Example
Can you think of an example of unintended consequences?
A rent cap meant to help renters leads landlords to take flats off the market, so fewer are rented. Those who cannot find a flat bear the cost, but nobody can say who they are.
Test yourself
Can you name the four types of government failure the specifications list, and a fifth this page adds?